Jack Lavin: MLB All-Star Game in 2027? Let's fly the ‘W' for Chicago's economy.

Chicago Tribune

7 hours ago

The 2027 MLB All-Star Game is more than just a win for the Cubs; it's also a win for the entire Chicago region. Hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world will descend upon Wrigley Field — along with millions more tuning in from home — to experience all Chicago has to offer. And with that comes a tremendous economic development opportunity for our city.
Last week's announcement about the All-Star Game is a big win for Chicago's residents and local businesses, and credit goes to our leaders in Chicago and Springfield, but above all, to the Cubs organization, which has spent the past decade reimagining and reinvesting in Wrigley Field and the surrounding neighborhood.
The results speak for themselves. Led by the Ricketts family, the Cubs organization took our treasured, century-old ballpark and transformed it into a modern, world-class economic driver without losing the character and charm that makes it one of baseball's most beloved landmarks. That vision, combined with strategic investments and strong community partnerships, laid the foundation for this moment.
Without question, this is a big deal, and it's about much more than baseball.
Events such as the All-Star Game are powerful moneymaking engines. When the All-Star Game comes to Chicago, it won't bring just the world's best ballplayers to Wrigley Field. It will bring jobs, visitors and investment to every corner of our city, providing critical revenue for neighborhood businesses large and small and generating the tax receipts needed to fund critical services. A sold-out Wrigley Field means more work for hotel staff, servers, ride-share drivers, retailers and many others who make up the backbone of our local economy.
The numbers are significant. Previous host cities have reported economic impacts ranging from $60 million to over $85 million, driven by increased hotel stays, restaurant visits, local transportation, retail purchases, tourism spending and more.
Our goal is to top that, and there's every reason we should given our unmatched hospitality infrastructure, vibrant neighborhoods, award-winning restaurants and leading cultural institutions.
The 2027 All-Star Game also means visibility. As we saw with last year's Democratic National Convention, events of this scale bring with them the platform of national media, international attention, and millions of TV and digital viewers that will bolster Chicago's reputation as the premier host for future global events, conventions and investment opportunities. It's an exciting opportunity for us to once again showcase Chicago as a dynamic, world-class city that welcomes visitors, fosters innovation and delivers memorable experiences.
But at the end of the day, this announcement is about momentum. It's about building on the progress Chicago has made to reenergize our tourism and event industries — which support thousands of jobs — following the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic and catalyze long-term economic opportunity and growth in neighborhoods across the city. It's a testament to the collaborative effort between public officials, business leaders and civic partners who believe in Chicago's potential and are working every day to unlock it.
Chicago has a storied history when it comes to hosting large-scale events like this. From the 1893 World's Fair to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, we have proved we not only know how to do it and do it well, but also do it better than it's ever been done.
That legacy now extends into the future. That's because we know the connection between civic pride and economic progress. We know that when Chicago wins, we all win. And when the 2027 MLB All-Star Game comes to Wrigley Field, Chicago will fly the 'W' and set a new standard for what All-Star Week can be and reaffirm our status as an unparalleled international destination.